Freedom

From 1861 until 1865, the United States fought her bloodiest war ever, the American Civil War.  One of the major catalysts for this war was the issue of slavery which had been causing divisions since the first slaves arrived on these shores.  Over 625,000 men lost their lives during this war as American liberated her slaves, more casualties than any other war in American history.  This war was fought on American soil with farms, homes, building and entire cities being destroyed.  All of this done in the name of freedom.

Today, many mistakenly think that we no longer have slavery in America, but that is not true.  The United States Congress today estimates that there are over 100,000 American minors exploited in domestic minor sex trafficking, through the pimping industry, using the internet and on the streets.  Much of the illegal immigration coming to America are minors being brought for the express purpose of the sex slave trade.  There is no easy way to gloss over what is happening in our country.  California is one of the major destinations for human trafficking and our laws are very lax.  The penalty for human trafficking amounts to little more than a slap on the wrist.  As we learned at the Higher Ground Coffee House, there is something we can do about it.  If you weren't there, please go to http://californiaagainstslavery.org/  where you can learn more about this and how to get involved.  So within the borders of our country there are over 100,000 slaves right now who need to have freedom.  It is the task of the church to bring freedom to the captive.

Please take a moment to read John 8:34-36.  In this passage, Jesus reminds us that if we are His followers then we are free.  Jesus came for the express purpose of setting us free from the penalty of sin.  Now, we will still have to face the consequences of our sin, but the penalty has been paid.  Romans 6 reminds us that this is the free gift of God.  We cannot earn it, only receive it.  If you haven't received the freedom from sin found only in Jesus, today is the day for you to cry out to God and accept that gift of salvation.

Once we receive that gift of freedom we can now utilize that freedom to bring about change in our lives and the world or abuse that freedom and harm those around us and ourselves.  I Peter 2:16 says, "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil;  live as servants of God."  What a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with our freedom.  Do we use our freedom as an excuse to feed the flesh?  I have been amazed at how many Christians as so enamored with the "Twighlight" series which glorifies the very things God has warned us about.  I have heard a multitude of Christian justifications this weekend as the latest movie drew record crowds.  I listen to the reasons for seeing these movies and I can only hear the sound of people feeding the flesh.  I'm not slamming this particular movie;  It just happens to be a perfect example of abusing our freedom in Christ.  What we do with our freedom will affect how others view Christ and whether they come to Christ or not.  

This I Peter passage reminds us to live as servants of God.  We have had our freedom purchased at a high price so we can actually become slaves to Christ.  But he certainly is a more benevolent master than sin.  Not only does He give us eternal life, but He will give us a meaningful and purposeful life.  So what are you doing with your freedom?